Mass. lawmakers OK bill allowing 'virtual schools'

Some Massachusetts children could begin attending virtual schools under a bill approved by state lawmakers and sent to Gov. Deval Patrick's desk.

The bill authorizes the state board of elementary and secondary education to issue requests for proposals for the virtual schools before October of each year.

Under the plan, the state would give preference to virtual schools that reach out to special groups of students, including students with physical disabilities, students who have been expelled or dropped out, students who are pregnant and students who feel bullied.

Other groups of students targeted by the schools could include gifted and talented students, students seeking academic work not available in their school and students in rural communities.

No more than 10 commonwealth virtual schools would be allowed to operate in Massachusetts at any time.